The word spa conjures up images of mud baths and meditation classes, spa cuisine in a serene setting by the seaside or the river.
Spas, are gaining popularity everywhere, so much so that you can now find spas everywhere: office buildings, shopping malls, neighborhood storefronts. Salons and nail places have also added themselves to the pack. Are these all considered as spas?
|
|
To answer this question, we need to first understand what make up a spa experience. Essentially, the four cornerstones of a spa experience are mind and body fitness, healthy eating, rest and relaxation and lastly, spa treatments. The spa we see frequently at the malls and neighborhood storefronts are what is known as day spa. There are different kinds of spas: day spa, destination spa, club spa, cruise ship spa, hotel/resort spa, mineral/hot spring spa and medical spa. |
At a destination spa, the whole environment is geared towards the four pillars of a spa experience. You generally go there for at least two or three nights and immerse yourself in the spa atmosphere. Some people go to help them make lifestyle changes. The destination spa is sometimes confused with a resort spa, which is one of the many amenities at a resort, along with golf, tennis and as much fatty food as you feel like eating.
At the day spa, people drop in for massages, facials, body treatments, manicures and pedicures. Slimming centers, hair salon and even the fitness centers are getting into the arena of providing day spa services.
Today, there is no regulatory board that defines what constitute a spa. That's why some salons promote spa services when all they have is one massage table, or use names like "spa pedicure." If you have any doubts, check out the facilities yourself before making a reservation. Just drop in and ask for a quick tour.
At a minimum, a day spa should offer professionally administered massages, facials and body treatments in a quiet, serene and relax atmosphere. At its most elaborate, a destination spa like Chiva Som International Health Resort, Hua Hin, Thailand has a staff of physicians, psychologists, nutritionists and physical therapists. It offers so many classes, lectures and services and has so many things going on that it may take months before you can experience them all.
What does it mean? It's up to you, the spa-goer to figure out what kind of service and experience you want, and find the place that best suits you.
Mineral waters and hot springs - the original spas - have been part of relaxation and healing in many cultures for centuries. Towns with hot springs have grown into popular destinations for vacations and retreats.
|
|
Today, this concept is still intact but greatly expanded into modern health resorts offering just about everything for what relaxes, what energizes and what ails you. Contemporary spas cater to people who want to lose weight, get in shape, simply relax or luxuriate with pampering treatments. They offer all the elements you need for a healthy lifestyle including nutritious food - fitness activities - body treatments - medical evaluations - behavioral management counseling - nutrition education - stress management - holistic health - spiritual growth - movement therapy - exercise physiology and more. |
You'll find spas in various shapes and sizes - at a mountaintop retreat, in the heart of the city, on a tropical island, in a desert oasis or in the serene countryside. What they have in common is that they all specialize in wellness. To one degree or another, each addresses physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Some have distinct specialties while others can tailor your stay for your preferences.
For those who desire a complete and luxurious spa experience, you can opt for a spa vacation or a spa retreat. For a spa vacation, you can chose to go for a hotel/resort spa or a mineral/hot spring spa. For a spa retreat, chose a destination spa.